Yay democracy!

[tinyjo]

But in St Albans, Hertfordshire, the Tories lost a seat to the Liberal Democrats on the length of a pencil.

After three recounts in Wheathampstead ward each had 1,132 votes, and the seat was won by the party that picked the longest pencil.

The BBC said it. It must be true.

Comments

[snowking.livejournal.com]

Whaaaa?

[brixtonbrood.livejournal.com]

I don't see why it's any sillier than the toss of a coin (which is fraught with dropping risks).

[white_hart]

topicaltim points out that drawing of lots after a dead heat is indeed statutory procedure, although in Parliamentary elections it's often bypassed in favour of a repoll...

[tinyjo.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sure it is statutory but it still seems mad to me! A re-ballot sounds like a more sensible (but presumably more expensive) solution.